How We Score:

Global Score

The Engadget Global Score is a unique ranking of products based on extensive independent research and analysis by our expert editorial and research teams. The Global Score is arrived at only after curating hundreds, sometimes thousands of weighted data points (such as critic and user reviews).

conclusion:We're mixed

74
December 20th 2012 11:05 am

The BeatsPill is a well-designed Bluetooth speaker with some useful features, including easy pairing with compatible smartphones. Sound quality, according to CNET is "strong for its size." Gizmodo concurs, saying it gets "very loud with admirable clarity," though the site warns that fans of Beats' bass-enhanced sound "won't find that here." At $199, the Pill is expensive for a small Bluetooth speaker, especially when solid options like the gdgt Must-have Jawbone Jambox are available for less. And Gizmodo calls the disappointing bass a deal-breaker. However, if you're looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker that sounds bigger than it is, CNET says the Pill has "an impressive design, sounds a bit better than the competition despite its limitations, and has a strong feature set."

The Pill is a very appealing package: attractive, portable, and easy to use. When dealing with most music, The Pill sounds spectacular ... But for a lot of people—and more importantly for a lot of Beats fans—that bunk low-end performance is going to be a deal-breaker.

There’s definitely something to be said for shrinking things down for more portability. But in this case, physics definitely won out over engineering ... This ultimately became a bitter Pill to swallow.

If Beats minus much of the bass sounds like a hard pill to swallow then the Pill won't be the product for you. There's volume aplenty though and, in isolation and assuming it's not cranked "up to 11" where distortion is often apparent, the Pill delivers its remedial dose of sound with enough fizz...

If you’re looking for a portable speaker with simple controls, effortless connectivity and better than average sound you’ll not be disappointed, but if you’re expecting Dr. Dre inspired trouser flapping bass don’t be surprised when it all goes a bit limp.

If you’re considering buying the Beats Pill, it’s best to temper your expectations. While it’s not a terrible device, its small footprint means that bass-heavy songs will sound largely flat coming out of it.

In isolation the Pill sounds reasonable, but it lacks bass and midrange compared to the competition and while it has reasonable call conferencing capabilities its price tag is utterly disproportionate to its abilities in such a competitive market.

The Pill has an army of seriously formidable competitors to go up against. Yes, it's small and the pill shape is cool. But the most important feature—the sound quality—fails to impress. Beats is relying too much on brand image and design to justify charging £170.